Rangers fans party in Belfast street despite Covid-19 regulations
The PSNI had urged supporters to celebrate safely
Last updated 8th Mar 2021
A large crowd of Rangers fans took to the streets of Belfast last night (Sunday) to celebrate the Glasgow side's first title win in a decade.
It is understood they flocked in numbers to the Shankill Road despite a ban on public gatherings under Covid-19 restrictions.
There were reports a number of fans were not wearing masks or social distancing.
DUP MP Gregory Campbell warned fans that the long-awaited Scottish Premiership title for the club “does not justify the breaking of Coronavirus regulations''.
Mr Campbell said it would be a bad day for Rangers fans if the title celebrations resulted in people in ICU beds.
He said: “No one is more delighted than myself to see this success for the Gers. It's been a long road. But so, has the battle against Covid.'
“I understand the desire for celebrations but that doesn't justify breaking the public health rules.
“It would be a bad day for Northern Ireland Rangers fans if a hallmark of 55 league titles was to be fans in ICU beds rather than being able to cheer their team on to more success.
“There will be plenty of time to celebrate in due course when the vaccine has been rolled out.''
The PSNI had posted a tweet which urged fans to celebrate safely and have since provided an update on the situation.
Superintendent Nigel Henry said: "Police received reports last night (Sunday 7th March) about large numbers of people celebrating in the Shankill Road area of North Belfast.
"This included reports of a street party and flares being set off on the Shankill Road.
“Police also became aware of fireworks being let off in the Shankill Road area and in the Ballysillan Road area.
"The numbers involved in the scenes last night were clearly a breach of the Health Protection (Coronavirus) Regulations, which is so disappointing when we know so many other people are adhering to the Regulations and playing their part to keep people safe.
"An investigation is under way, and appropriate enforcement action will be taken in relation to breaches of the Regulations."
Sinn Féin member, Paul Maskey, has raised concerns over the large gatherings.
The West Belfast MP said: “Large crowds gathered in public, with no adherence to social distancing or mask wearing.
“These scenes were deeply concerning in the midst of a pandemic.
“Reports of sectarian chanting are also worrying and need to be investigated.
“I will be raising questions directly with the PSNI around their approach to these organised gatherings.
“We have made great strides in our fight back against the pandemic thanks to the efforts of so many and we cannot allow that to the jeopardised.
“I would remind everyone of the ongoing need to follow the public health advice.”
Meanwhile, Mr Campbell has tabled a motion in Parliament to recognise Rangers' victory.
He added: “As a lifelong Rangers fan, I am delighted on a personal level but a success of this magnitude, given the previous problems at the club, should be recognised by the national Parliament,''
“Not only is this a massive achievement but record setting in so many ways.
“The team has been undefeated this far in the league season and the earliest in the season that the Scottish title has been won in 119 years.
“It is right and fitting that Parliament sends its congratulations and marks this incredible effort for the players, management and backroom staff.''
Meanwhile, police in Scotland have arrested 28 people following a similar situation.
Thousands of Rangers fans gathered in Glasgow, which is home to Ibrox the teams home ground, on Sunday to celebrate winning the Scottish Premiership.
A further seven people were issued with fixed penalty notices or will be reported to the Procurator Fiscal.
The force said action was taken for offences including assaulting police officers, breaching coronavirus regulations, disorder, use of flares and sectarian breaches of the peace.
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